Kenya Communications Specialist

Grade: P3 (FTA International)
Supervisor: Head of Partnerships and Planning Unit
Duty station: Nairobi, with frequent travel to Somalia

Organizational Context

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Country Director/Programmes and the direct supervision of the Head of Partnerships and Planning Unit, the Communications Specialist leads the Country Office communications strategy, as well as in the design, management and implementation of the Country Office communications strategy which is geared to influence the development agenda, promote public and media outreach and mobilize political and financial support for UNDP Somalia.

The Communications Specialist maintains a working relationship with the Regional Communications Advisor. The Communications Specialist works in close collaboration with Senior Management, Programme and Operations teams, and staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff (Communications Office), as well as the media, ensuring successful UNDP communication strategy implementation.

A communications strategy tightly linked to programme priorities helps position the Country Office in key development markets as a leader in ways that boost demand for various service lines and increase overall business opportunities.

The Communications Specialist is expected to travel to Somalia on a regular basis.

Summary of Key Functions:

Participate in the formulation and implementation of a communications and outreach strategy in support of CO visibility and resource mobilization efforts, with strong focus on quality written materials and clear messaging including through use of radio
Elaboration and implementation of the CO publications strategy and plan
Supervision of the design and maintenance of the UNDP CO website and intranet
Support CO projects and events to boost visibility and business development
Knowledge building and knowledge sharing for CO Staff and external groups
Management of digital media monitoring, archiving and dissemination system

1- Participates in the formulation and implementation of communications and outreach strategy focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Analysis of requirements, synthesis of proposals and provision of information by conducting communications needs assessments for elaboration of the CO communications and outreach strategy based on the corporate communications strategy and under the guidance of the regional communications advisor.
Drafting/editing of communications and outreach strategy based on corporate communications strategy and in strong support of resource mobilization efforts to accompany launch of new Country Programme (2011-2015).
Assisting in the preparation of Country Office communication and advocacy instruments including presentations, briefing material for dissemination to different audiences as need be in coordination with supervisor. These include, for instance, monthly donor bulletins, a brochure on the new Country Programme, updated information leaflets per programme and project, etc.
Synthesis of proposals for project formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP’s development programme.

2- Ensures elaboration and implementation of the CO publications strategy and plan based on the corporate publications policy, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Identification and development of storylines for publications and substantive articles contributing to debates on key development issues.
Coordination and management of all CO events, publications and web activities, including content management, norms for photography, video production, publishing, design, liaison with printers and other suppliers to oversee production and supervision of publications dissemination.

3- Supervises the design and maintenance of the UNDP CO website and intranet focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Design and maintenance of the office websites based on corporate requirements in cooperation with ICT team and relevant staff members.
Generation, preparation and editing of content for the web sites to ensure material is consistent and up to date.

4- Provides support for CO projects and events to boost visibility and business development focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Launches and campaigns

Promotion and dissemination of corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications such as the Human Development Report in coordination with relevant staff members.
Promotion and maintenance of public information campaigns on UNDP activities, results of MDGs, and UN Reform, under the supervision of Deputy Country Director.
Development of communication materials, including briefing materials and press releases, for CO events in coordination with relevant staff members.
Writing, editing and supervising translation of speeches and public statements for senior management and programme staff.

Outreach

Preparation and dissemination of CO newsletter to donors, and other relevant partners to support projects.
Dissemination of communication materials and media mobilization through a regularly updated and populated contact database.
Support to corporate and donor reporting requirements

Public information

Timely and effective responses to inquiries to media as well as for public information materials.
Arrange media briefings and trips to Somalia and explore new means of outreach
Forging of a “One UN” image through acting as focal point for the organization and implementation of joint UN information campaigns (UN Day, World AIDS Day, etc.)

5- Facilitates knowledge building and knowledge sharing for CO Staff and external groups focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities.
Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories.
Provision of trainings for UNDP staff on communications for development.
Professional growth through active learning.
Maintain good working relationship with UN Somalia Country Team Information Group and contribute to joint initiatives as required

6- Management of digital media monitoring, archiving and dissemination system focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Identification of storylines for publications and articles contributing to debates on key development issues and addressing problematic coverage.
Technical supervision of translation/adaptation/rewriting of information received, and dissemination of press clippings and translated synopses to within, CO and to HQ.
Maintaining and populating organized and searchable digital databases for text and images.
Compiling specialized media coverage press packages for projects/events as deemed necessary and planning dissemination to strategic target audiences.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on creation of effective communications and dissemination of information on UNDP as UN’s global development network. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner. In particular, the key results have an impact on implementation of UNDP communications and advocacy strategy. In addition, the information provided facilitates decision making of the management.

Competencies and Critical Success Factors

Functional Competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda

Level 2: analysis and creation of messages and strategies

Creates effective advocacy strategies
Contributes to the elaboration of advocacy strategies by identifying and prioritizing audiences and communication means
Uses the opportunity to bring forward and disseminate materials for advocacy work

Building Strategic Partnerships

Level 2: Identifying and building partnerships

Sensitizes UN Partners, donors and other international organizations to the UNDP’s strategic agenda, identifying areas for joint efforts
Promotes UNDP’s agenda in inter-agency meetings

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Level 2: Developing tools and mechanisms

Makes the case for innovative ideas documenting successes and building them into the design of new approaches
Identifies new approaches and strategies that promote the use of tools and mechanisms

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Level 2: In-depth knowledge of the subject-matter

Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines
Continues to seeks new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit
Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally
Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

Creating Visibility for UNDP/Supporting UNDP’s Capacity to Advocate

Level 2: Developing promotional projects and organizational messages

Develops promotional activities based on monitoring/evaluation information identifying areas requiring higher visibility
Develops messages for use by UNDP staff when working with partners, internationally and nationally
Reviews documents and materials intended for use within and outside the organization in order to ensure consistency and validity of messages

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals

Level 2: Analysis and creation of messages and strategies

Creates effective global advocacy messages/strategies
Contributes to the elaboration of a global advocacy strategy by identifying and prioritizing audiences and messages

Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise

Level 2: Developing innovative and creative approaches

Leverages different experiences and expertise of team members to achieve better and more innovative outcomes

Client Orientation

Level 2: Contributing to positive outcomes for the client

Anticipates client needs
Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provider
Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective

Core Competencies:

Promoting ethics and integrity, creating organizational precedents
Building support and political acumen
Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation
Building and promoting effective teams
Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication
Creating an emotionally intelligent organization
Leveraging conflict in the interests of UNDP & setting standards
Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking

Recruitment Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in development, media relations, journalism, publishing or related field

Experience:

Up to 5 years of relevant experience in the field of communications at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems.
At least 5 years of relevant experience in journalism or in corporate communications.
Solid understanding of development issues is desirable.
Excellent English writing and editing skills and a demonstrated ability to clearly communicate development ideas and experiences.
Experience in conceptualizing and managing the production of printed materials, including detailed reports, is an advantage.
Experience in developing video and photographic materials in-house and in commissioning films is an advantage.
Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing communication and/or media outreach plans in support of overall corporate goals is desirable.
Demonstrated experience in developing content that clearly communicates development ideas and experiences for media, web, print production, and audio-visual productions.
Experience in overseeing translations work is an asset.

Language Requirements:

Excellent English language skills (written and oral)

“Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit electronic application by visiting http://jobs.undp.org/